Main menu

Damayan Cleaning Cooperative Launches Business

New York, NY – The first Filipina migrant worker-owned cooperative in the United States opened for business on September 27, 2015. The coop is in line with the goals of Damayan Migrant Workers Association to help members access meaningful jobs. With the support of the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, over the last nine months, nine socially committed women – experienced cleaners and community leaders – developed the worker cleaning cooperative business, including creating cleaning protocols, implementing democratic decision-making processes, and planning their business structure.

Damayan Cleaning Cooperative creates sustainable, just and healthy workplaces for the community, clients and member-owners. Member-owners are committed to providing high quality, eco-friendly office cleaning services while creating stable and decent jobs through promotion of democratic decision-making, education and living wages. Collectively, the member-owners have over 100 years of experience in cleaning. The cooperative offers environmentally-friendly cleaning services including floor care, dusting and polishing, glass and interior window cleaning, special event cleaning and more.

“We are proud to launch our cooperative. Through dedication and hard work, we are creating a business that is owned by the members – Filipina migrant workers. We are excited to create this business not just for the members, but to create more decent jobs for our community,” said Annie Bello, a founding member of the cooperative and member of both the office committee and training committee.